Just under half of the initial thirty-eight starters managed to produce a clear first round over course builder David Coles’ thirteen fence-track and only five went on to produce double clears. Jamie utilised the tight turns and Ephonie P’s natural carefulness to the best of his ability to produce their winning round in 38.00 seconds flat.

Mennell Watson was another who didn’t have to travel far. Based in Solihull, West Midlands, he steered Euro Sport Horse’s 11 year-old bay stallion Whisper in the Wind into second place with a double clear in a time of 38.97 seconds.

Third place was claimed by Berkshire’s Laura Mantel riding Elizabeth Howes’ 12 year-old dark bay mare Glory B V. This combination won the Winter Grand Prix at Hartpury University last month and added another double clear to their record in 39.34 seconds.